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Murderer who fled Kent hospital spotted in Richmond

A convicted murderer who was admitted to hospital complaining of chest pains has been on the run for more than two months, police have revealed.

John Murch, 52, who was serving a life sentence for killing a man in Liverpool, was being held at Category D Standford Hill prison on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent.

He was admitted to the Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham on August 31, but absconded the following day.

A public appeal for information about his whereabouts which was made by Kent Police in September did not mention that Murch was a killer.

The disclosure was made by the Metropolitan Police this week as reports emerged that Murch has been seen in the Richmond area of south-west London since he went missing.

Police said Murch - known to wear a flat cap and dark-coloured pin-striped suit - is not deemed to be a direct threat to the public.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Murch is not currently considered to be a direct threat to the public. However, we advise you not to approach him and call 999 immediately. We are keen to speak to anyone who has any information regarding his whereabouts."

Murch is about 6ft and of medium build, with grey/brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a distinctive tattoo on his right arm saying "Liverpool FC Liver Bird".

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 101, the Wanted Offender Unit at Twickenham Police Station on 020 8247 7191, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.